Slavia Prague – Roma

The Czech Republic vice-champion will beat the group leader at home

Roma started the European Cup season as vice-champions of the Europa League, where Mourinho's side lost to Sevilla in last year's final. Despite the Portuguese coach's love of getting results by playing in economy mode, Roma won three times in the first round of the group stage. In the first round Roma defeated Sheriff (2:1) away, then 4-0 at home to Servetta. The first leg against Slavia Praha started well from the first minute, when Bove scored from El Shaarawy's pass. After 16 minutes, Lukaku strengthened the Italian side's lead and Roma took the match to a comfortable 2-0 win. Slavia Prague before the described defeat was no less convincing in the Europa League. First, the Czech team in Switzerland with a score of 2:0 defeated Servette, and then left no stone unturned in their home walls from Sheriff - 6:0. Bookmakers have identified the guests as favorites, offering odds of 2.35 on their victory. Slavia Prague in the national championship has a very tight battle for leadership with Sparta. Both teams are far in the standings away from the dense zone of pursuers. It was against Sparta that Slavia failed to win the only home match of the current season - 1:1. In the other eight meetings at home, the team won convincing victories. In three home games in the Europa League, including qualifying, the Czech club won three times with a total score of 11-0. Of course, they have not faced opponents of Roma's level, but it's unlikely that the home team will be on shaky knees on Thursday. The Europa League is the only tournament in which Roma is doing well. In Serie A, Mourinho's team is in the middle of the standings, and on Sunday they played a tough game at home against Lecce, having experienced problems with an opponent of a lower level than the Czech Republic's vice-champion. Taking into account that two full days after the game in Prague Roma will have to play in the Rome derby, it is unlikely that Mourinho will put out the main squad for the European Cup meeting and will tune his players as if for the last fight. Let's bet on Slavia Prague to win.